“Inclusive is the new normal,” said Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, as he addressed an August gathering last week in Delhi. The occasion was the celebration of 40 years in service of the differently abled by Tamana, the NGO. Perhaps, the most fitting way to commemorate this occasion was through an inclusivity ramp walk where 80 people affected by multiple disabilities confidently took to the stage for a fashion show titled ‘Celebrations’ supported by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) CSF Trust. They walked hand-in-hand with invited dignitaries and patrons of the cause. In step with the celebrations was the hospitality partner for the event, Hyatt Regency, Delhi, which also celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.
Tamana was stablished in 1984 by Dr. Shayama Chona after her daughter Tamana was born with cerebral palsy. The very first centre called Tamana Special Education Centre was inaugurated by the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales in 1992 and was set up to provide rehabilitative services for differently abled children between the ages of 6 to 18 years. Over the years, more centres have opened including Tamana Skill Development, NIOS Centre and Hostel, which is a vocational centre for adults, and the Autism Centre for those on the spectrum. The latter was inaugurated in 2003 by the former President of India, late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Tamana has been granted a Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2005, for its contribution to the field of disability. Tamana’s partner in this celebration is FDCI, a not-for-profit organization whose aim is to further the business of fashion in India and ensure its sustainable growth. Through strategic events and collaborations, it works to promote and nurture its over 400 members which include fashion and accessory designers and professionals, educational institutions, and corporates. Among its many anticipated events are the bi-annual India Fashion Week (prêt) for Autumn-Winter in March and Spring-Summer in October, as well as the India Couture Week which is held in July. FDCI also works closely with the Textile Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry, government of India, as well as other countries and organizations to host fashion and textile-related events and initiatives and create opportunities for FDCI members across India and abroad.
On the occasion, president of Tamana and Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Shayama Chona said, “For the last 40 years, Tamana has been upholding the banner for this cause and we are proud to say that today we have three centres providing world-class services.” Chairman of the FDCI, Sunil Sethi also applauded the ruby celebration of this worthy cause.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr. Justice DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, who is the father of two differently abled girls, pledged his support to the cause, making some pertinent observations, “Today, I stand here as the father of two beautiful children who have taught me so much in life. Tamana serves as a reminder for what society ought to do for special needs people. We must remember what Maya Angelou said – ‘in diversity there is beauty’.”
The showstopper for the inclusivity walk was National Awardee Tamana Chona herself. As someone who has overcome immense adversity to rise to tremendous heights, Tamana is the inspiration behind the NGO and serves as a symbol of hope for the differently abled, proving that given the right care and intervention, everyone will have the opportunity to realise their full potential. Hence, on the occasion, she also exhibited her beautiful artwork and merchandise exclusively adapted from her art.
To add to the glitter and charm of the evening, leading designers of the country, including J J Valaya, Suneet Varma, Payal Jain, Anju Modi, Namrata Joshipura, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Amit Aggarwal, and Ashish Soni showcased five pieces in shades of red from their collections, after the inclusivity walk. The ruby hue was a nod to the ruby anniversary as well as a sign of the fire within humans to surmount the odds and emerge victorious.
In Sethi’s words, “As we celebrate the spirit of fortitude the children of Tamana have displayed in the eye of adversity, it is time to pay tribute to two towering giants. Tamana and Hyatt hotels complete 40 years of pathbreaking work, and I would like to congratulate them on their commitment to excellence and changing lives.” The dazzling evening of Tamana’s celebration came to an end with soulful renditions of Bollywood numbers by popular singer Diwakar Sharma, before the attendees retired to partake of the sumptuous dinner served by the Hyatt Regency hotel. It was a truly memorable celebration that will live on in memory for years to come.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.